Non-lactating Women Research Articles

Diffuse optical spectroscopy of lactating and non-lactating human mammary physiology.

Breastfeeding provides widely recognized advantages for infant and maternal health. Unfortunately, many women experience trouble with breastfeeding. Nevertheless, few suitable imaging modalities are available to study human lactation and determine the possible causes of breastfeeding problems. In this study, we apply broadband, quantitative diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) for this purpose. We present a study of fourteen lactating and eight similarly aged, premenopausal, non-lactating women to investigate the feasibility of DOS to study the optical and physiological differences between 1) lactating and non-lactating breasts, 2) the areolar and non-areolar region within the breast, and 3) lactating breasts before and after milk extraction. Our study shows that i) the median total hemoglobin concentration [tHb] of the lactating breast is 51% higher than for the non-lactating breast. ii) the median [tHb] of the lactating breast is 37% higher in the areolar region compared to the non-areolar region. iii) lactating breasts exhibit a positive median difference of 8% in [tHb] after milk extraction. Our findings are consistent with the expected physiological changes that occur during the lactation period. Importantly, we show that DOS provides unique insight into breast tissue composition and physiology, serving as a foundation for future application of the technique in lactation research.

Diet and Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Indigenous Communities of Attappady, Kerala, India.

The dietary patterns and quality of diets of women of reproductive age (WRA) significantly affect their health and that of their children. The suboptimal diet among women can lead to issues such as intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, premature birth, and malnutrition. To examine the dietary patterns and nutrient intake of WRA in the indigenous communities of the Attappady tribal block in Kerala, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 20 randomly selected villages in 2022. The study involved 24 h dietary recall surveys, anthropometric measurements, and estimation of hemoglobin concentration to assess nutrient intake and nutritional status. A total of 446 women aged 15-49 from 423 households participated, with 92 households included in the diet survey. The findings indicated that the diet was primarily based on cereals and root-based starchy staples, with low consumption of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. The estimated intakes of major nutrients, except for protein, were lower than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Nearly 50% of the WRA were malnourished. About 32% of non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL) women and 40% of lactating mothers suffered from chronic energy deficiency (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). Conversely, 13.4% of NPNL women and 15% of lactating mothers were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). A total of 12.5% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 were thin (BAZ < -2 SD), and 10.5% were overweight or obese (BAZ > +1 SD). Since the co-existence of micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition is rooted in the socio-cultural aspects of indigenous tribes, a culturally sensitive nutrition intervention model would be appropriate for the better health and wellbeing of women in the community.

340 Investigating the Effectiveness of Folic Acid-Fortified Iodized Salt on Serum Folate Concentration- a Primary Prevention Strategy for Spina Bifida in India

Abstract Aim Investigate the effectiveness of folic acid-fortified iodized salt in increasing serum folate concentrations among non-pregnant and non-lactating women of reproductive age Method All households in four rural Indian villages agreed to consume FA-fortified iodized salt (study salt) in a pre- and post-intervention study. Pre- and post-intervention serum folate levels were analysed from 83 eligible participants. A cohort study was done after consumption of approximately 300 mcg of FA daily using double fortified salt (FA + Iodine). We assessed the differences in median serum folate concentrations at baseline and 4 months. Results The median serum folate concentration increased from 14.6 nmol/L at baseline to 54.4 nmol/L at end of study. Two-tailed Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed the difference to be highly significant (p-value = 1.8 × 10-14). The villagers found the salt acceptable in color, taste and cooking properties. No untoward effects related to the study salt were noted. Conclusions Folic Acid for the prevention of Spina Bifida has over 3 decades of evidence to support it. In 2023, the World Health Assembly unanimously recommended FA to prevent incidence of Spina Bifida. India, currently estimated to bear a third of the global Spina Bifida burden, poses a unique challenge to mandatory fortification due to the heterogeneity in population, culture, and dietary patterns. FA-fortified salt presents an equitable opportunity to reach the entire population of India and avert a significant burden of Spina Bifida and its associated morbidity and mortality. Moreover, salt fortification infrastructure currently exists so FA-fortified salt poses a cost-effective primary prevention method.

Factors Affecting Postpartum Bone Mineral Density in a Clinical Trial of Vitamin D Supplementation.

Background: Few studies evaluate the effects of vitamin D status and supplementation on maternal bone mineral density (BMD) during lactation and further lack inclusion of diverse racial/ethnic groups, body mass index (BMI), or physical activity. Objective: Determine the effects of vitamin D treatment/status, feeding type, BMI, race/ethnicity, and physical activity on postpartum women's BMD to 7 months. Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies beginning 4-6 weeks' postpartum were randomized into two treatment groups (400 or 6400 IU vitamin D/day). Participant hip, spine, femoral neck, and whole-body BMD using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA Hologic), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] (RIA; Diasorin), BMI, and physical activity were measured at 1, 4, and 7 months postpartum. A general linear mixed modeling approach was undertaken to assess the effects of vitamin D status [both serum 25(OH)D concentrations and treatment groups], feeding type, race/ethnicity, BMI, and physical activity on BMD in postpartum women. Results: During the 6-month study period, lactating women had 1-3% BMD loss in all regions compared with 1-3% gain in nonlactating women. Higher maternal BMI was associated with less bone loss in femoral neck and hip regions. Black American women had less BMD loss than White/Caucasian or Hispanic lactating women in spine and hip regions. Exclusively breastfeeding women in the 6400 IU vitamin D group had less femoral neck BMD loss than the 400 IU group at 4 months sustained to 7 months. Physical activity was associated with higher hip BMD. Conclusion: While there was BMD loss during lactation to 7 months, the loss rate was less than previously reported, with notable racial/ethnic variation. Breastfeeding was associated with loss in BMD compared with formula-feeding women who gained BMD. Higher BMI and physical activity independently appeared to protect hip BMD, whereas higher vitamin D supplementation appeared protective against femoral neck BMD loss.

The global diet quality score as an indicator of adequate nutrient intake and dietary quality – a nation-wide representative study

BackgroundThe Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) was developed to be a simple, timely and cost-effective tool to track, simultaneously, nutritional deficiency and non-communicable disease risks from diet in diverse settings. The objective was to investigate the performance of GDQS as an indicator of adequate nutrient intake and dietary quality in a national-representative sample of the Brazilian population.MethodsNationally-representative data from 44,744 men and non-pregnant and non-lactating women aging ≥ 10 years, from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey were used. Dietary data were collected through two 24-h recalls (24HR). The GDQS was calculated and compared to a proxy indicator of nutrient adequate intake (the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women—MDD-W) and to an indicator of high-risk diet for non-communicable diseases (caloric contribution from ultra-processed foods—UPF). To estimate the odds for overall nutrient inadequacy across MDD-W and GDQS quintiles, a multiple logistic regression was applied, and the two metrics’ performances were compared using Wald’s post-test.ResultsThe mean GDQS for Brazilians was 14.5 (0–49 possible range), and only 1% of the population had a low-risk diet (GDQS ≥ 23). The GDQS mean was higher in women, elderly individuals and in higher-income households. An inverse correlation was found between the GDQS and UPF (rho (95% CI) = -0.20(-0.21;-0.19)). The odds for nutrient inadequacy were lower as quintiles of GDQS and MDD-W were higher (p-trend < 0.001), and MDD-W had a slightly better performance than GDQS (p-diff < 0.001). Having a low-risk GDQS (≥ 23) lowered the odds for nutrient inadequacy by 74% (95% CI:63%-81%).ConclusionThe GDQS is a good indicator of overall nutrient adequacy, and correlates well with UPF in a nationally representative sample of Brazil. Future studies must investigate the relationship between the GDQS and clinical endpoints, strengthening the recommendation to use this metric to surveillance dietary risks.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Liver Enzyme Abnormalities Among Bangladeshi Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Liver enzyme abnormalities can indicate underlying liver health issues and are influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of liver enzyme abnormalities and their associated factors among nonpregnant and nonlactating (NPNL) women in Bangladesh. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 NPNL Bangladeshi women. Data on demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between liver enzyme abnormalities and associated factors. Results The prevalence of liver enzyme abnormalities among participants was determined, with associated factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), monthly income, and food security status examined. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed in 54 (21.5%) and 47 (18.7%) of participants, respectively, with 116 (46.2%) exhibiting an AST/ALT ratio exceeding 1.00. Food insecurity was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of elevated ALT levels (24.4% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.02), as well as low monthly income (18.8%, 14.7% vs. 36.7%, P < 0.01) and higher BMI (11% vs. 27.7% and 25.6%, P = 0.02). Similar trends were observed for AST levels. Moreover, participants with a higher BMI exhibited significantly higher rates of at least one abnormal liver function enzyme (15.9% vs. 34.9%, P = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between abnormal liver enzyme levels and certain demographic and socioeconomic factors, specifically BMI and age. Conclusions This study provides insights into the prevalence of liver enzyme abnormalities and their associated factors among NPNL Bangladeshi women. The findings underscore the importance of addressing factors such as BMI and age in mitigating liver health issues in this population. Further research and targeted interventions are warranted to address these concerns effectively.

Folic Acid–Fortified Iodized Salt and Serum Folate Levels in Reproductive-Aged Women of Rural India

India has a disproportionately high prevalence of neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA), causing a high number of stillbirths, elective pregnancy terminations, and child mortality; India contributes a large proportion of the global burden of SBA. Thirty years after folic acid was shown to be effective in reducing SBA prevalence, only about one-quarter of such births are prevented globally through cereal grain fortification. To determine the association of folic acid-fortified iodized salt with serum folate concentrations among nonpregnant and nonlactating women of reproductive age. This nonrandomized controlled trial using a preintervention and postintervention design was conducted in 4 rural villages in Southern India from July 1 to November 30, 2022. All households in the villages agreed to participate in the study. Preintervention and postintervention serum folate levels were analyzed among study participants at baseline and after 4 months, respectively. Consumption of approximately 300 µg/d of folic acid using double fortified salt (folic acid plus iodine). Median serum folate concentrations were assessed at baseline and 4 months. Change in median serum folate levels between baseline and study end point as the primary outcome of the study. A total of 83 nonpregnant nonlactating women aged 20 to 44 years (mean [SD] age, 30.9 [5.1] years) were eligible for the study and provided serum samples for analysis at baseline and the end point of the intervention. The median serum folate concentration increased from 14.6 (IQR, 11.2-20.6) nmol/L at baseline to 54.4 (IQR, 43.5-54.4) nmol/L at end of study, a 3.7-fold increase from baseline to study end point. Two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test showed the median difference in preintervention and postintervention serum folate concentrations to be highly significant (P < .001). The participants found the salt acceptable in color and taste. Use of folic acid-fortified iodized salt was associated with increased serum folate concentrations in women of reproductive age. This novel evidence can inform public health policy to accelerate SBA prevention. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06174883.

The Impact of Glycemic Control on Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor-Associated Genitourinary Infections.

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at an increased risk of genital urinary (GU) infections, with the risk increasing with higher A1Cs. Given the broad adoption of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in patients with T2D, both providers and patients need to be aware of common adverse effects associated with these medications, specifically GU infections. However trials involving SGLT2is looked at patients with an average A1C of less than 9%, and thus, the incidence of GU infections may not truly reflect the general diabetic population. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between GU infections in patients started on SGLT2is and A1C levels. A retrospective study was conducted on patients seen in an adult, primary care clinic, at New York City Health and Hospitals, South Brooklyn Health. Men and nonpregnant, nonlactating women >18 years old with a diagnosis of T2D who were initiated on an SGLT2i between January 2018 and January 2023 were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint is to compare the risk of GU infections in patients with T2D who were started on SGLT2is, regardless of dose, with hemoglobin A1C of >9% to those with hemoglobin A1C <9% at baseline. Three hundred and twenty-eight patients were eligible based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference in the number of GU infections that occurred in patients with a baseline A1C >9% compared with those with an A1C <9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-2.88; P = 0.041). Type 2 diabetes patients initiated on SGLT2is may experience an increased risk of GU infection, especially in those patients with an A1C of 9% or greater. Further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these findings.

Glycemic Control in Patients Living With HIV Initiated on Integrase Inhibitor-Based Three-Drug Antiretroviral Therapy.

Background: The increased risk of cardio-metabolic disorders associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is of growing importance. Given the broad adoption of integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) as first-line therapy for HIV, additional data are needed regarding the metabolic effects of these regimens. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess glycemic control in patients started on INSTI-based 3-drug regimens over a 2-year period. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients seen in the Brooklyn Hospital Center. Men and nonpregnant, nonlactating women aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of HIV who were initiated on or switched to an ART consisting of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus an INSTI were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint is change in A1C from baseline (pre-INSTI initiation) to 2 years after initiation. Results: Two hundred fifty-one patients were eligible based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, a statistically significant increase in A1C was seen in all patients started on INSTI-based regimen (95% CI, 0.10-0.36; P < 0.001). Primarily patients on both elvitegravir-based and bictegravir-based regimens saw the most significant increase in A1C: 0.16% (95% CI, 0.04-0.27; P = 0.006) and 0.39% (95% CI, 0.02-0.76; P = 0.038), respectively. Conclusion and Relevance: Integrase strand-transfer inhibitor-based 3-drug ART was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in A1C over a 2-year period, requiring additional monitoring by clinicians.

Iodine Intake Trends in United States Girls and Women between 2011 and 2020

BackgroundUsual intakes of iodine in United States girls and women, including pregnant and lactating women have not been adequately studied. Adequate intake of iodine is critical for neurodevelopment of girls, thyroid functions, and reproductive health of women. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the adequacy and trends of iodine intake of United States girls and women between 2011 and 2020. MethodsWe mapped the sources of United States girls and women’s iodine intake from the 29 food groups between 2011 and 2020 using United States Department of Agriculture’s iodine data release 2. The total food intakes from 2 d of dietary recall of the United States National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey and estimated iodine concentrations of the food groups were used to calculate the usual iodine intakes of female participants. Trends of usual intakes, urinary iodine concentrations (UIC), and estimated intake adequacy were calculated. ResultsMedian usual intakes of iodine estimated from diet and supplements and UIC of United States girls and nonpregnant, nonlactating women declined between 2011 and 2020 in all 3 age groups: ≤14 y, 15–49 y old, and ≥50 y. Median usual intakes of iodine for pregnant and lactating United States women declined as well. Inadequacy levels of usual iodine intake were 9.9% for nonpregnant, nonlactating women of reproductive age 15–49 y old, 40.3% for lactating, and 10.2% for pregnant women in the 2017–2020 period. Intake insufficiencies estimated from UIC were 48.8%, 63.2%, and 31.3% for nonpregnant, nonlactating women of reproductive age 15–49 y old, pregnant and lactating women, respectively, in the 2017–2020 period. A significant decline in milk consumption might be one of the major contributors to the dietary iodine decline in United States women. ConclusionsIodine intake of United States girls and women were on the decline between 2011 and 2020 and the increased inadequacy of iodine intake deserves public health attention.

Epidemiological Profile of Breast Fibroadenoma in a Sample of Iraqi Women Attending Breast Clinic at Al-Imamaein Al-Kadhimaein Medical City in Baghdad/Iraq

Abstract Background: Fibroadenoma, a type of fibroma, is the most common benign neoplasm found in the breast. It is predicted that around 10% of females globally may experience the development of fibroadenoma at some stage in their lives. Fibroids seldom become malignancies, about 5% of all cases. Fibroadenoma etiology is uncertain. However, levels of estrogen influence fibroadenomas. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to explore the epidemiological aspects of breast fibroadenoma. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the breast examination clinic at Al-Imamaein Al-Kadhimaein Medical City in Baghdad/Iraq. It included 260 female participants aged 15–35 years, diagnosed by specialists with breast fibroadenoma. A modified four-part questionnaire was used to obtain data from participants which includes sociodemographic, breast fibroadenoma risk factors, clinical presentation, and diagnostic intervention. Results: Participants had a mean age of 27.3 ± 6.05 years. It was found that 37.7% of participants were overweight women, 35.8% had a family history of fibroadenoma. The most common presentation was pain presented in 38.1%. Conclusions: The fibroadenomas that developed in the current study sample tended to increase in the second and third decades, notably among nulliparous and nonlactating women. Most participants were overweight with left-sided pain and lumps.

Knowledge, prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among women of reproductive age in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A cross-sectional study.

Anaemia is a global public health concern. Anaemia in women of reproductive age has negative outcomes on their health and reproduction. This study assessed the knowledge, prevalence and associated factors of anaemia among non-pregnant and non-lactating women of reproductive age in Northern Ghana. This is a cross-sectional study. A systematic random sampling was used to select 317 participants from the Tamale Metropolis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic, knowledge level of anaemia and iron foods. Haemoglobin levels were determined using URIT-12. Haemoglobin status was classified according to the World Health Organization standards. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used in the statistical analysis. The mean age (SD) of participants was 26.4 ± 6.9. A large proportion (68.8%) of the women had knowledge about anaemia, and the source of information was mainly health professionals (56.4%). More than half of the participants knew of the symptoms (80%), causes (83.9%), prevention measures (81.2%), consequences of anaemia (64.2%) and iron-rich food sources (76%). A greater share of the participants, however, had no knowledge of both iron-enhancing foods (53.7%) and iron-inhibiting foods (51.8%). The prevalence of anaemia was high generally (63.1%) and was highest among females at the tertiary institutions (43%) and who were single (60.5%). A significant association existed between income status and haemoglobin status (χ2 = 6.3, p = 0.044). The majority of participants knew about anaemia; however, they had limited knowledge of iron-enhancing and inhibiting foods. The prevalence of anaemia was high among women of reproductive age. Integrating economic empowerment and nutrition education with the inclusion of iron-enhancing and iron-inhibiting foods could help to reduce the high prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age.

Varied etiology in patients presenting with non-puerperal mastitis: an observational study

Abstract Introduction: The etiology of nonpuerperal mastitis is more diverse varying from infections to autoimmune disorders. Most of them are misdiagnosed as pyogenic mastitis and are treated with routine antibiotics. In this study the various causes of nonpuerperal mastitis which required surgical intervention were evaluated. It was observed that some of the pre-malignant and malignant conditions were also presented as nonpuerperal mastitis. Materials and methods: All non-lactating women who presented with symptoms and signs of mastitis and did not respond to single course of antibiotics (active against staphylococcus) treated in tertiary care Hospital and in private practice of primary author between June 2021 to December 2022 and in those in whom the ultrasound of breast was also suggestive of inflammatory breast disease were included in the study and rest were excluded from study. The final etiological diagnosis of these patients is given by the histopathological examination of tissue taken from the wall of abscess cavity or of breast mass. Results: Total 21 patients were included in the study of which 7 patients had nonspecific infection, 3 patients were diagnosed to have tuberculous mastitis, 3 patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, 2 patients with periductal mastitis, 1 patient with fat necrosis, 3 patients with atypical ductal hyperplasia and 2 patients were diagnosed to have invasive duct cell carcinoma. Conclusion: The etiology of nonpuerperal mastitis is diverse. Not only the benign conditions but premalignant conditions like ADH, DCIS and even invasive carcinoma can present with clinical symptoms and signs of inflammatory breast disease.

Vitamin D and Calcium Levels among Women of Reproductive Age Group from Northern India

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been related to poor bone health, increased risk of PIH, obstructed labour, vaginosis and LBW baby among women of reproductive age. Aims &amp;Objectives: To evaluate the serum calcium and vitamin D levels of reproductive age group women and their relation with sociodemographic parameters. Material &amp;Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant and non-lactating women aged 15-49 years, attending the OPD for any musculoskeletal complaints. The study participants were subjected to a pretested questionnaire for capturing information regarding their sociodemographic parameters. Non fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical analysis of serum vitamin D and calcium. Results: The mean serum vitamin D and calcium levels were 20.94±10.61 ng/ml and 4.82±0.87 mg/dl respectively. The median serum vitamin D levels were 18.1 ng/ml with IQR of 12.43-28.00 ng/ml. The median serum vitamin D levels were significantly less among women residing in rural area and those who were unmarried/separated. Vitamin D level were highest in middle and lowest in upper socioeconomic status (p=0.007). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more pronounced among women from rural background and those who were unmarried/separated. These women are susceptible to development of osteoporosis and pregnancy related complications in later age.

National and Sub-National Estimates of Household Coverage of Iodized Salt and Urinary Iodine Status among Women of Reproductive Age in India: Insights from the India Iodine Survey, 2018–19

BackgroundIodine deficiency is a significant public health problem for many populations worldwide, including India, particularly during the “first 1000 days” of life. Though Universal Salt iodization (USI) is mandatory in India, prior to 2018–19, there was no state-wide survey with estimates of iodine concentrations in salt using iodometric titration. Taking cognizance of this fact, Nutrition International commissioned the first-of-its-kind national-level survey in India, titled the India Iodine Survey 2018–19. ObjectivesThe study was conducted across the country to provide national and subnational estimates of iodine concentrations in household salt using iodometric titration and iodine nutrition status among women of reproductive age (15–49 y). MethodsThe survey adopted a multi-stage random cluster probability proportional to size sampling design, covering 21,406 households in all the states and union territories (UTs) of India. ResultsAt the national level, the household coverage of edible salt with adequate iodine (content ≥15 parts/million) was 76.3%. At the sub-national level, the coverage varied, with 10 states and 3 UTs achieving USI and 11 states and 2 UTs falling below the national average, with the highest among all the states and UTs, being Jammu and Kashmir and the lowest being Tamil Nadu. At the national level, the median urinary iodine concentration for pregnant women was 173.4 μg/L, for lactating women was 172.8 μg/L, and for non-pregnant, non-lactating women, it was 178.0 μg/L, which is within the adequate iodine nutrition range according to the WHO guidelines. ConclusionsThe survey results can be widely used by various stakeholders, including government, academia, and industry, to understand the iodine nutrition status of the population, enable the scale-up of sustained efforts toward consolidating gains and achieving USI, leading to the reduction and elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

Factors Affecting BMI Changes in Mothers during the First Year Postpartum

We tested the hypotheses that mothers of infants who exclusively breastfed would differ in the trajectories of postpartum BMI changes than mothers of infants who exclusively formula fed, but such benefits would differ based on the maternal BMI status prepregnancy (primary hypothesis) and that psychological eating behavior traits would have independent effects on postpartum BMI changes (secondary hypothesis). To these aims, linear mixed-effects models analyzed measured anthropometric data collected monthly from 0.5 month (baseline) to 1 year postpartum from two groups of mothers distinct in infant feeding modality (Lactating vs. Non-lactating). While infant feeding modality group and prepregnancy BMI status had independent effects on postpartum BMI changes, the benefits of lactation on BMI changes differed based on prepregnancy BMI. When compared to lactating women, initial rates of BMI loss were significantly slower in the non-lactating women who were with Prepregnancy Healthy Weight (β = 0.63 percent BMI change, 95% CI: 0.19, 1.06) and with Prepregnancy Overweight (β = 2.10 percent BMI change, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.03); the difference was only a trend for those in the Prepregnancy Obesity group (β = 0.60 percent BMI change, 95% CI: -0.03, 1.23). For those with Prepregnancy Overweight, a greater percentage of non-lactating mothers (47%) gained ≥ 3 BMI units by 1 year postpartum than did lactating mothers (9%; p < 0.04). Psychological eating behavior traits of higher dietary restraint, higher disinhibition, and lower susceptibility to hunger were associated with greater BMI loss. In conclusion, while there are myriad advantages to lactation, including greater initial rates of postpartum weight loss regardless of prepregnancy BMI, mothers who were with overweight prior to the pregnancy experienced substantially greater loss if they breastfed their infants. Individual differences in psychological eating behavior traits hold promise as modifiable targets for postpartum weight management.

The Global Diet Quality Score predicts diet quality of women of reproductive age in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Improving diet quality is recognised as a double-duty action that can simultaneously address multiple forms of malnutrition. This study aimed to assess diet quality among non-pregnant non-lactating women of reproductive age (WRA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A 1-d quantitative 24 h recall was conducted among 653 non-pregnant/non-lactating women. Diet quality, assessed using the women dietary diversity score (WDDS), the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and the Nova 4 classification reflecting consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), was compared. The proportion that meets the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) was estimated. The average MDD-W score was 2·6 (sd 0·9), with only 3 % of women meeting the MDD-W (≥ 5 food groups). Consumption of wholegrain and legumes was high, but UPF were also consumed by 9 % of the women. GDQS was positively associated with WDDS, age and skipping breakfast and was negatively associated with eating out of home and UPF consumption (P < 0·05). The multivariate regression model showed that GDQS (total) was not associated with wealth but was significantly associated with both UPF and WDDS (P < 0·001). Unlike UPF and WDDS alone, GDQS was able to predict both nutrient adequacy and unhealthy dietary practices. The diet quality of WRA in Addis Ababa is low in diversity, possibly exposing them to higher risk of nutrient inadequacy and non-communicable diseases as reflected by the low GDQS. Understanding what drives food and dietary choices in urban settings is urgently needed.

Inadequate Iodine Intake in Mothers of Young Children in Innlandet County, Norway

BackgroundIodine has an essential role in child growth and brain development. Thus, sufficient iodine intake is particularly important in women of childbearing age and lactating women. ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to describe iodine intake in a large random sample of mothers of young children (aged ≤2 y) living in Innlandet County, Norway. MethodsFrom November 2020 to October 2021, 355 mother–child pairs were recruited from public health care centers. Dietary data were obtained using two 24-h dietary recalls (24-HRs) per woman and an electronic FFQ. The Multiple Source Method was used to estimate the usual iodine intake from the 24-HR assessment. ResultsBased on the 24-HRs, the median (P25, P75) usual iodine intake from food was 117 μg/d (88, 153) in nonlactating women and 129 μg/d (95, 176) in lactating women. The median (P25, P75) total usual iodine intake (from food combined with supplements) was 141 μg/d (97, 185) in nonlactating women and 153 μg/d (107, 227) in lactating women. Based on the 24-HRs, 62% of the women had a total iodine intake below the recommendations (150 μg/d in nonlactating women and 200 μg/d in lactating women), and 23% of them had an iodine intake below the average requirement (100 μg/d). The reported use of iodine-containing supplements was 21.4% in nonlactating women and 28.9% in lactating women. In regular users of iodine-containing supplements (n = 63), supplements contributed to an average of 172 μg/d of iodine. Among regular iodine supplement users, 81% reached the recommendations compared with 26% of nonsupplement users (n = 237). The iodine intake estimated by FFQ was substantially higher than that estimated by 24-HRs. ConclusionsMaternal iodine intake in Innlandet County was inadequate. This study confirms the need for action to improve iodine intake in Norway, particularly among women of childbearing age.

Duct ectasia of bilateral accessory breast associated with pituitary microadenoma: a case report and literature review

Abstract Background Mammary duct ectasia is an acute or chronic inflammatory breast disease that occurs mainly in nonlactating women. It rarely occurs in the accessory breast. The etiology of this condition remains unclear. The long course and complex clinical manifestations of this disease in some patients make it easy to misdiagnose. Case Presentation Herein, we report a case of bilateral accessory breast duct ectasia. A 34-year-old nonlactating Chinese woman presented with a mass in the right axilla. Physical examination and ultrasonography revealed inflammatory lesions in both accessory breasts. Laboratory data and magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperprolactinemia and pituitary microadenoma. Penicillin and bromocriptine were administered to prevent infection and reduce serum prolactin levels. We performed a simple mastectomy of the bilateral accessory breasts. The outcome was satisfactory. Conclusion This article reports the first case of bilateral accessory breast associated with pituitary microadenoma and reviews the literature to provide a reference for clinicians.

Prevalence and public health significance of anemia among non-pregnant, non-lactating tribal women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in India

Background: In reproductive age, anemia is high burden and significant loss of maternal life in India. In general anemia largely a nutritional deficiency disorder, suffering about 50% of all women during reproduction. Objectives: This review works elucidates the prevalence rate and highlighting the inadequacy or opportunities to refocus this area which are taken but lag behind these or could find other solutions. Methods: The methodology of this review work are simply searching of published literature review, articles, periodicals, through online database, journal etc. The article selected from the year 2000 to 2020 for those work studied key areas of tribal non-pregnant, non-lactating reproductive women between 15-49 years age. This review study included final 20 eligible research papers those conducted on same age and physiological condition of tribal women. Results: Out of 20 selected paper 7951 sample were gather and tabulated for analysis. The range of lowest 48 samples to 3923 big sample was varied. In general anemia prevalence calculated by 65.3% (95% CI: 64.3 – 66.4) in studied subjects. Conclusion: Anemia is a worst situation among tribal women in India as per WHO classification of severity of anemia, indicating need based urgent steps.